Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease is common among many people. Studies have proven that Periodontal disease has been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.

Causes and Symptoms

With time, a buildup of bacterial plaque around the teeth can spread and grow below the gum line.

Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums.

The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body turns against itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.

Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected.

As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This destructible process has very mild symptoms which may not be noticeable.

Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Signs of gum disease:

Bleeding gums

Bad breath

Receding gums

Loose teeth

Red and swollen gum tissue

Treatment

Dr. Barr will create a treatment plan specific to your gum disease. Early stages of gum disease can be treated by professional cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and more frequent maintenance appointments. More severe cases will benefit from scaling and root planning.

This is a deeper cleaning going into the pockets of the gum to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Dental anesthetic can be used to make this procedure more comfortable. After this stage of treatment Dr. Barr will evaluate to see if further treatment is needed or just continuing with a strict maintenance program.

If further treatment is necessary, Dr. Barr will work with a specialist to complete your treatment.

Contributing factors:

Tobacco use

Grinding

Poor oral health

Poor nutrition

Prevention

Prevention is the key to avoiding any disease. Proper nutrition, brushing and flossing at least twice daily, and seeing Dr. Barr on a regular basis for exams and professional cleanings is your best defense against gum disease.

Are you in need of dental services in Columbus, Indiana? We can help. Contact us today to speak with a member of our staff about your questions or to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to treating your smile!

Mark Barr DDS

Dr. Barr has been taking care of me and my family for years. His staff is kind and efficient. Dr. Barr is so knowledgeable about all kinds of dentistry. I always feel like we are in good hands.

- Sue

About Us

"We take the time to decide what is best for every individual patient and focus chair side to create the best possible outcome for you. To accomplish this, we promise to continue our extensive continuing education. Our vision is to treat one patient at a time and create excellence just for you. "